Freeview: Tacolneston (Norfolk, England) full-Freeview transmitter
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Freeview on the Tacolneston (Norfolk, England) transmitter

Google StreetviewGoogle mapBing mapGoogle Earth52.518,1.139 or 52°31'6"N 1°8'22"ENR16 1DW

4G at 800MHz (at800) Freeview reception issues

A retune will happen 01 May 2013 to clear C62: COM6 C50 to C39+ PSB3 C62 to C50. When 800MHz 4G mobile broadband services start there will be 1 multiplex in the higher risk range (C21-23, C30, C59-60): C59: D3+4
See How do I know if the 4G broadband will overload my Freeview? and Full UK map of 4G issue areas for details.

Transmitter fauls and engineering works



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The symbol shows the location of the Tacolneston transmitter which serves 330,000 homes.

Other maps:Tacolneston DABTacolneston AM/FMTacolneston regionBBC EastAnglia (East micro region)

Radiation patterns

Radiation patterns withheld

Map key

The bright green areas shown where the signal from this transmitter is strong, dark green areas are poorer signals. Those parts shown in yellow may have interference on the same frequency from other masts.

Tacolneston transmitter Freeview broadcasts

If you have any kind of Freeview fault, follow this Freeview reset procedure first.

Digital television services are broadcast on a multiplexes (or Mux) where many stations occupy a single broadcast frequency, as shown below. The rating shown takes in account the output power level and the various Freeview transmission modes and do not indicate an ongoing fault.

MuxEffective power level, aerial positionRatingModeWatts
PSB1
BBCA
 horizontal
Maximum64QAM 8K 2/3
24.1Mb/s
DVB-T MPEG2		100,000
Channel icons
1 BBC One East, 2 BBC Two England, 7 BBC Three, 9 BBC Four, 70 CBBC Channel, 71 CBeebies, 80 BBC News, 81 BBC Parliament, 301 301, plus 12 others
• as a digital multiplex transmitted on frequency C55- (745.8MHz) from 263m datum.
PSB2
D3+4
 horizontal
Maximum64QAM 8K 2/3
24.1Mb/s
DVB-T MPEG2		100,000
Channel icons
3 ITV (Anglia (East micro region)), 4 Channel 4 South ads, 5 Channel 5 Part Network ads, 6 ITV 2, 13 Channel 4+1 South ads, 14 More 4, 28 E4, 33 ITV +1 (Anglia east),
• as a digital multiplex transmitted on frequency C59- (777.8MHz) from 263m datum.
PSB3
BBCB
 horizontal
Maximum256QAM 32KE 2/3
40.2Mb/s
DVB-T2 MPEG4		100,000
Channel icons
101 BBC One HD (England no regional news), 102 BBC Two HD (England), 103 ITV HD (ITV Meridian Southampton), 104 Channel 4 HD South ads, plus 1 others
• as a digital multiplex transmitted on frequency C50 (706.0MHz) from 263m datum.
COM4
SDN
 horizontal
Maximum64QAM 8K 3/4
27.1Mb/s
DVB-T MPEG2		100,000
Channel icons
10 ITV 3, 20 G.O.L.D. (not free), 25 Dave ja vu, 26 Home (not free), 27 ITV 2 +1, 30 5*, 31 5USA, 34 ESPN UK (not free), 38 Quest, 39 The Zone, 44 Channel 5 +1, 72 CITV, plus 22 others
• as a digital multiplex transmitted on frequency C42 (642.0MHz) from 263m datum.
COM5
ArqA
 horizontal
Maximum64QAM 8K 3/4
27.1Mb/s
DVB-T MPEG2		100,000
Channel icons
 TV News,  TV Stars, 11 PICK TV, 12 Dave, 17 Really, 29 E4+1, 32 Movie Mix, 46 Challenge, 48 Food Network, 82 Sky News, 87 Community Channel, plus 9 others
• as a digital multiplex transmitted on frequency C45 (666.0MHz) from 246m datum.
COM6
ArqB
 horizontal
Maximum64QAM 8K 3/4
27.1Mb/s
DVB-T MPEG2		100,000
Channel icons
15 Film 4, 18 4Music, 19 Yesterday, 21 VIVA, 24 ITV 4, 41 Sky Sports 1 (not free), 42 Sky Sports 2 (not free), 47 4seven, 83 Al Jazeera English, 85 RT English , plus 21 others
• as a digital multiplex transmitted on frequency C39- (617.8MHz) from 246m datum.


Regional news from the Tacolneston transmitter


BBC Look East (East) 0.8m homes 3.2%
from Norwich NR2 1BH, 16km northeast
to BBC East region - 27 masts.

ITV Anglia News 0.8m homes 3.2%
from NORWICH NR1 3JG, 16km northeast
to ITV Anglia (East) region - 26 masts.

Self-help relays

Gt YarmouthTransposer1 km S town centre30 homes
Lowestoft (2)TransposerRotterdam Rd125 homes

How the transmission frequencies change over time

years1950s~851984-971997-981998-20112011-131/5/13-2013-182019-
aerial groupVHFC/D EC/D EC/D EEEWK
C3BBCtv
C22SDN
C25ArqA
C28ArqB
600C31com7
C37com8
C39 ArqBArqB
C40BBCB
C42SDNSDNSDN
C43D3+4
C45ArqAArqAArqA
C46BBCA
700C50 BBCBBBCB
C52C5C5
C53+A
C55BBC2BBC2BBC2-BBCA-BBCA-BBCA
C57local
C59ITVITVITV-D3+4-D3+4-D3+4
C602
800C62BBC1BBC1BBC1BBCB
C631
C64D
C65C4C4C4
C66-B
C68C

orange background for multiplexes names moregreen background for transmission frequencieslilac background for power levels in watts800MHz band: 4G mobile to start in 2013700MHz band: possible 4G in 2019 more600MHz band: new or moved digital TV services more
Notes: + and - denote 166kHz offset; aerial group are shown as A B C/D E K W
Italics for analogue, digital switchover was Wednesdays 9th November and 23rd November 2011.

  • Ofcom have projected that a local television service for Norwich could use an Interleaved Frequency on the Tacolneston transmitter using C57
  • COM7, COM8 projected for 2013-16. COM7 and COM8 to operate as Sudbury, Tacolneston SFN.

Comparison of old analogue and current digital signal levels

Analogue 1-4 250kW
SDN, ARQA, ARQB, com7, com8, BBCA, D3+4, BBCB(-4dB) 100kW
Mux 1*, Mux 2*(-14dB) 10kW
Mux A*, Mux B*, Mux C*, Mux D*(-17dB) 5kW
Analogue 5(-18dB) 4kW

History of Channel 3 in the Tacolneston transmitter area

• Breakfast ◊ Weekends ♦ Friday night and weekends † Weekdays only. Tacolneston was not an original Channel 3 VHF 405-line mast: the historical information shown is the details of the company responsible for the transmitter when it began transmitting Channel 3.


Your comments: most recent posts are at the bottom

  ◊  Later commentsnext Latest commentslast

Your comments are always welcome. Please use the form below to add your thoughts or questions to this page. We will get back to you as soon as we can.

Arnaud Della chiesa
Wednesday 1 March 2006 4:17PM
Dear all,
I am looking for the list of Service IDs for all the DTT channels.

Can I find this on your web site or have you got such a list to provide to me ?
Thanks in advance for your answer.

Best regards,
Arnaud
Lee
Tuesday 28 November 2006 12:23PM
I heard Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth will have their very own DTT Transmitters by the Anologue Switchoff but will only carry 3 multiplexes, anyone else heard this report? it be good but means messing with realignment etc but would it be worth it? less channels!!! I know aldeburgh will have 3 multiplexes does that mean we got to go vertical and point down their hmmm I wonder, someone enlighten me please, bout time us coasties had decent reception! Not just TV either, How bout DAB and FM.
Briantist
Thursday 30 November 2006 11:43PM
Lee: there are no current plans for new transmitters for areas that are already covered by a main transmitter (as Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth are). All existing relay transmitters will have only three DTT multiplexes, and the signal strength from the main transmitters will be increased too. DAB is being extended over the next few decades, FM will be withdrawn.
Lee
Monday 22 January 2007 4:14PM
Hi its Lee from Lowestoft again read this

wwww.dtt-tx-info.org link icon dtt-tx-info.org

and this

www.tellyaerial.34sp.com link icon http://www.tellyaerial.34…/rrc

if you find these helpful let me know cheers (NR321SE)
Briantist
Monday 22 January 2007 6:04PM
Lee: These transmitters are not listed in any official documents, either from Arquiva or ofcom. There IS a transmitter near you, see www.ukfree.tv link icon When analogue TV from Gorleston on Sea stops | ukfree.tv - get free UK television Ref: www.arqiva.com link icon www.arqiva.com...PROVISION_OF_NETWORK_ACCESS.pdf and
paul
Wednesday 18 April 2007 3:44PM
I get freeview reception in South Lowestoft pretty well , with the exception of multiplex A.

Could someone pls explain why it is broadcast with such low power?
Briantist
Wednesday 18 April 2007 6:04PM
paul: Please see Freeview modes | ukfree.tv - get free UK television
Ted
Thursday 17 May 2007 10:36PM
I wish to install a tv on my boat moored at stalham,could i install freeview and what do i need to achieve a picture, analog or digital. thanks in advance, Ted
Briantist
Friday 18 May 2007 11:45AM
Ted: It is possible, as long as you can mount a suitable sized aerial somewhere high up enough to get a view of the transmitter.
david fenner
Thursday 21 June 2007 10:34AM Norwich
Hi guys, my name is David I own a local satellite and aerial company SASUK if you are having trouble and need assistance feel free to ring or email us and will try to help you out, tel 01603 891333 or sasuk2@orange.net even if you just want advice, always happy to help.
John king
Saturday 18 August 2007 5:27PM Colchester
I have just bought set top box, But dont seem to be able to get Itv1 or 4.Why? post code CO1 2RN.
Alex
Wednesday 22 August 2007 10:59PM
My freeview box in the last few days has suddenly lost Mux 2. I've been trying to rescan for it, also doing the complete reset procedure you talk about at www.ukfree.tv link icon My Freeview box has no EPG, is missing Film4, Channel 4+1 or the channel line up is wrong | ukfree.tv - independent digital TV and switchover advice . Tonight I tried to rescan again and I lost all Multiplexes except number 1. I only live 12 km east of Tacolneston transmitter and I've never had a problem with TV signal before, analogue or digital. Any ideas what might have happened? (NR171DG)
Jenny
Monday 27 August 2007 8:36PM
For the past 4/5 days I, and others in the NR17 postcode, have lost reception of ITV2 and ITV3 via Freeview. I have rescanned my digitial TV but nothing happens. Others using top boxes have lost these channels too. What is happening?
Tony Smith
Monday 27 August 2007 8:48PM
Hi
I live in the village of Tittleshall and have until recently enjoyed good freeview reception. However, recently channels ITV1 & ITV2 disappeared. I have tried a new digibox but these two channels are still absent.

Any suggestions/explanations/ideas???
Tony Smith
Monday 27 August 2007 8:51PM
Correction - I should have said ITV2 & ITV3 like Jenny above
Tony Smith
Wednesday 29 August 2007 7:43PM
Hi Briantist

Thanks for the advice. Problem now solved.
Briantist
Wednesday 29 August 2007 7:50PM
Tony Smith: No problem.. enjoy!
Bill
Monday 17 September 2007 10:51AM Norwich
Living in Hethersett and almost in line of sight of Tacolneston I have recently lost the Freeview signals for ITV 2 and ITV3 [previously, up to 21 days ago, no problems]. All other Freeview channels seem to be OK.

Is there a reason for this ?
Fraser Sparks
Saturday 1 December 2007 9:22PM
Hi, I live in Little Melton and during the last 3 weeks or so have experienced interference on itv and bbc digital channels,which can be very significant at times in particular between 9 and 10pm. Our signal strenth indicator seems to be sitting at about 30%. For the 12 months preceeding we have had no problems. Is the signal strength likely to improve and if so, when? Thanks, Fraser
Briantist
Sunday 2 December 2007 10:22AM
Fraser Sparks: Please have a look at this page to solve the problem ... Freeview intermittent interference | ukfree.tv - independent digital television and switchover advice, since 2002
Fraesr Sparks
Sunday 2 December 2007 2:06PM
Dear Briantist thanks for your prompt reply. Nothing has changed in our house in the last 3 weeks, however I will try one of the mains filters (I assume these work on digital tvs as well as freeview boxes). Please could you advise if the signal strength is likely to stay at around 30%, or will it improve? Regards, Fraser
Briantist
Monday 3 December 2007 6:23AM
Fraesr Sparks: You should use the filter on any device you have the aerial attached to. The signal strength will not change until switchover. 'Switchover overview: Wednesday 1st June 2011: Freeview power increase from 6666 W to 100000 W, 15 times stronger. '
Andy
Monday 10 December 2007 9:48PM Bury St. Edmunds
Hi
I live in Gt Saxham and during the last 2-3 weeks both my neighbour and I have experienced the lost of are Freeview channels including BBC1 and BBC2. I’ve tried rescanning and a replacement box. We are still unable to regain the channels back. We have had a good signal for most of our channels in the past. Thanks.
District Aerials 01502533848
Wednesday 23 January 2008 8:48PM
If for example, they turn a main transmitter up 30db. What is going to happen when a current "amped aerial set up" getting 70db, then goes to 100db. Will shadowding occur, meaning amps will need to be turned down or replaced?
Briantist
Wednesday 23 January 2008 10:25PM
District Aerials: The COFDM transmission system should be able to handle a huge range of signal levels. Don't forget the mode change from 16QAM to 64QAM (and 128QAM) will complicate matters too. There hasn't been a UK trial of THAT type of switchover yet, in truth.
Carole Andrews
Monday 31 March 2008 9:20AM
Please could you tell me if there is any problems with the transmitter we cannot get a decent picture on our television after the hour of 9am at night sometimes earlier. we thought it was our freeview box but my daughter television is the same in her bedroom although there is one ariel for both televisions which has just been installed a couple of weeks ago. My neighbour has also complained that she cannot get a decent picture around that time. The picture breaks up so you cannot watch it, it returns to normal after a time then the picture goes again and its like this for the rest of the night. Please could you tell me if there is anything wrong with the transmitter.

Yours Sincerely,

Mrs C Andrews
Briantist
Monday 31 March 2008 9:37AM
Carole Andrews: Can you tell me your full postcode please? Can you explain more about what you mean by 'cannot get a decent picture'? Thanks.
Carole Andrews
Monday 31 March 2008 11:43AM
Hi Briantist Thanks for the reply. My postcode is Nr135lf the picture on freeview is very good all day up until the hour of 7pm or 9pm in the evening then the picutre breaks up so that you cannot see what it is your looking at,, if I unplug the freeview box and just use the main channels the picture is very poor on all five channels and there is white lines in the picture.We get a similar break in the picture on freeview when a car goes past or a motorbike passes this also causes the picture to disupt.

Hoping this information is of help.
Many thanks
Carole.
Briantist
Monday 31 March 2008 11:54AM
Carole Andrews: Interesting. You are located in one of the easier places to receive Freeview. If your aerial is on the roof and pointing in the right direction you should be able to receive Freeview perfectly, the whole time. The interference you describe - both the timing and the effect on the analogue picture suggests that there might be a local transmission blocking your TV reception. You can't do much about the "two stroke engine" problem. If the problem starts each evening at different times, this suggests it might be a radio armature or pirate radio signal.
Carole Andrews
Monday 31 March 2008 2:22PM
Dear Briantist,

Many thanks for your help, your information on the problem is most valuable.

Best Wishes,

Mrs C Andrews.
Geoff.Dixon
Monday 31 March 2008 4:46PM
Carol Andrews: Just to back up what Briantist said. Look for a Radio Ham within about 100 yards of your location - I came across a similar problem last year and found that he was transmitting in the evenings until bedtime. If you are lucky and know him, he will be able to filter out the frequencies for your 'picture' channels or transmit on a different (sound) waveband in the evening.
Shoops
Monday 31 March 2008 5:22PM Norwich
Dear Briantist (or whoever answers the queries!!)

you seem to know a lot of stuff...I live in the NR3 post code area (almost city centre, Norwich) and we seem to have lost all of the '5's. Like channel 5, 5 US, 5 Live, etc... we unplugged our freeview box, did a rescan and we have lost these ones! we had them on our listings prior to the reboot, but no picture. Now, they do not even list!

Do you have any clues as to why there is a problem? Many many thanks
Briantist
Monday 31 March 2008 6:02PM
Shoops: Please can you have a look at Single frequency interference | ukfree.tv - independent digital television and switchover advice, since 2002 for some help. The effect is not unusual.
Shoops
Tuesday 1 April 2008 11:24AM Norwich
Hello Briantist...

no luck. I turned off the Sky box and reset the channels. but still no 5s.... I mean, we get them on Sky, but we cannot record on SKy. Our Freeview box can record. It is frustrating to lose those 5s. Not the end of the world....but it is a bit weird.

WHILE I have your attention...As you seem to be quite knowledgeable in things of a TV nature...We have Sky (just basic, not any packages...) and we get some channels on our bedroom tv that are all scrambly on the living room tv. Any reasons?? We live ins a small-ish flat and the sets are not that far away from each other. Also - our building has a 'communal' aerial ... it is on the roof of our upstairs neighbour. we cannot access it...does that make a difference? Many thanks again...
Briantist
Tuesday 1 April 2008 12:38PM
Shoops: Multiplex A is on very, very low power so it makes sense that it disappears first. To answer your second question there are a number of channels which are on Freeview which are subscription on satellite, in particular E4, More4, Sky Sports News, UKTV History, Dave, The Hits and TMF. See www.ukfree.tv link icon All free-to-watch channels | ukfree.tv - independent digital television and switchover advice, since 2002 for a list. The reason is that Sky has encryption contracts with Channel 4, UKTV, MTV etc which forbids them from putting any of their existing channels free-to-air.
Shoops
Tuesday 1 April 2008 1:15PM Norwich
Hello again

thanks anyway for your help... I don't think the Sky thing is not an encryption issue...I meant to say that in the bedroom TV, we get channel 4 + 1, channel 323 (some Movie channels), 324, etc very clearly on SKY. But these same channels on SKY in the living room are scrambly. Different SKY boxes though...So we in theory get the channels, but only in one room!! That is what I was wondering about...

This will probably be my last post. Dont mean to keep asking mundane questions.
Ashley Camm
Monday 12 May 2008 8:15PM
Hello clever TV people. My house is right next to the Tacolneson transmitter. I've just read that the power is going to increase from 6666W to 100000w! Is this not going to fry us?

But seriously, is there any research anywhere I can look at?

And what will happen to our TVs? You don't need an arial on the upstairs TVs as it is.

Thanks

Ashley

Jordy
Monday 12 May 2008 10:11PM
Ashley Camm - You're in absolutely no danger infact the analogue currently being broadcast is 500kw or 500000 watts. It is far more dangerous to stand outside in direct sunlight (high energy ultra violet) than it is to stand next to a mast emitting fairly low energy radio waves, and that really puts it into perspective. If its any comfort i live less than 3 miles from Sutton Coldfield and it is and will broadcast twice the erp power of Tacolneston. Ashley how is the work going at the Tacolneston mast? You could check out sites such as www.mds975.co.uk or www.mb21.co.uk for any facts you may wish to check. Check all your tv's to ensure they're ready for the switchover, if not seek professional advice. I hope this helps.
Briantist
Tuesday 13 May 2008 10:17AM
Ashley Camm: The digital services will be at lower power after switchover than the current 250kW for each of the five analogue signals.
Neil Paveley
Thursday 15 May 2008 8:55PM Norwich
Hi!
Can you tell me if a problem with Mux B has developed recently? Used to get BBC 4 absolutely fine, but lots of break-up has made it unwatchable in the last week or so. Shame - because it's the best channel!
Are there any plans to up the power level on Mux B?
Postcode NR9 4AP

Cheers

Neil
Briantist
Friday 16 May 2008 8:25AM
Neil Paveley: You should have no problems with Mux B at your location... see this article for some ideas www.ukfree.tv link icon Single frequency interference | ukfree.tv - independent digital television and switchover advice, since 2002 - the power will be changed in June 2011
Neil
Saturday 17 May 2008 1:58PM Norwich
Think that I may need to upgrade my aerial. Thanks for the info. Cheers
Neil
Briantist
Saturday 17 May 2008 3:39PM
Neil: Let us know if that works for you.
Jon
Sunday 20 July 2008 6:14PM
Here in Saxmundham I don't get a signal at all. Please could some one help me. I use this aerial: www.argos.co.uk link icon Buy One For All Amplified Indoor Antenna with gain up to 45dB. at Argos.co.uk

 also, do i plug my aerial into the tv or freeview box?
Briantist
Sunday 20 July 2008 6:17PM
Jon: The aerial goes into the Freeview box. What is your full postcode please?
Jon
Sunday 20 July 2008 6:19PM Saxmundham
Braintist: IP17 1EY
Briantist
Sunday 20 July 2008 6:58PM
Jon: I would think your aerial is pointing east-southeast toward the transmitter at Aldeburgh. You need to point your aerial at Tacolneston. www.ukfree.tv link icon Find out how to receive Freeview at postcode IP171EY | ukfree.tv - independent digital television and switchover advice, since 2002
Bill Reekie
Tuesday 22 July 2008 9:14AM Norwich
I use BT Vision with a BT Home Hub and am experiencing poor reception on ITV3. I live in NR9 3HY and my aerial points to Tacolneston. The DTT signal strength is c. 25% but the signal quality varies between 0% and 12%. Is this a transmitter problem ?

[all BBC channels are fine and my computer broadband wireless reception is OK]



Please post a question, answer or commentIf you have Freeview reception problems before posting a question your must first do this Freeview reset procedure then see: Freeview reception has changed, Single frequency interference, and Freeview intermittent interference.

If you have no satellite signal, see Sky Digibox says 'No Signal' or 'Technical fault'

If you have other problems, please provide a full (not partial) postcode (or preferably enter it in box at the top right) and indicate where if aerial is on the roof, in the loft or elsewhere.

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